Communication and New Media Studies

Our Mission

The Communication and New Media Studies programs merge Alma’s liberal arts emphasis on interdisciplinary study with a subject that is both timeless and timely: human communication.

Communication Major and Minor

The study of communication involves investigation of the way messages and media influence relationships, organizations, communities and cultures. Rigorous interdisciplinary coursework, critical and creative project work, and required internships prepare students for graduate study and for professional careers in communication and media industries, non-profit agencies, health care organizations, social and political advocacy, public relations and many other arenas.

Communication majors complete core classes in communication and cognate areas such as ethics, critical thinking and language study. Students also choose a concentration of advanced courses in communication complemented by classes in allied disciplines. Majors in all concentrations take integrative capstone seminars and complete a required internship. Internships may be completed locally, overseas or through domestic programs, including the:

The Communication major prepares students for graduate work in communication, media studies, journalism, public affairs, law, psychology and sociology, and to careers in fields like public relations, journalism, telecommunications, corporate communication, consulting, counseling, social work and human resources.

New Media Studies Major and Minor

New Media Studies is a multidisciplinary program that combines theory and practice in the study of emerging forms of media, digital information and technology.

Through rigorous interdisciplinary coursework, hands-on media experience and required internships, students integrate media history, theory, research and law with applied project work.

New Media Studies prepares students for graduate study and for work in media industries including: graphic design, audio and visual arts, social media, gaming and simulation, e-text and web publication, and instructional technology. Other career fields include education, entertainment, advertising, journalism, promotion, media research and advocacy.

 

Alma College was born on Oct. 14, 1886. George F. Hunting was appointed the College’s first president and professor of moral and mental science. The College’s founding was made possible by Ammi W. Wright, a lumberman, businessman and civic leader who gave 30 acres of land and more than $300,000 to found and sustain the institution in its early years.

 

Faculty Profile

Dr. Joanne Gilbert

Dr. Joanne Gilbert
Departments: Communication

Dr. Joanne Gilbert, Professor of Communication teaches courses in Interpersonal Communication, Intercultural Communication, Performance, Advocacy, Humor, and many other areas of the field. She is deeply committed to service learning and often includes student-community interaction in her classes.